How to Keep Score in Mini Golf

The Basics

In mini golf, each hole has a par—the expected number of strokes to complete the hole. Most mini golf holes are par 2 or par 3. Your goal is to finish each hole in as few strokes as possible. Add up your total strokes at the end; the lowest score wins.

Unlike real golf, there's no handicap system. Everyone plays the same course, and raw score determines the winner. Some courses set a maximum strokes per hole (often 6 or 7) to keep play moving—if you hit the max, pick up and move to the next hole.

Scoring Terms

A hole-in-one (also called an ace) means sinking the ball in one stroke. A birdie is one under par. A par means you matched the expected score. A bogey is one over par. A double bogey is two over.

On a par-2 hole, a hole-in-one is a birdie (you beat par by one). On a par-3 hole, a hole-in-one is an eagle (two under par). The terminology matters more for bragging rights than for the actual score—your total strokes are what count.

Using the Scorecard

Most courses provide a scorecard with columns for each player and rows for each hole. Write your stroke count for each hole in the appropriate box. At the end, add up each column for the total score.

Pro tip: designate one person as the scorekeeper to avoid arguments. Or have everyone keep their own score and compare at the end—discrepancies usually mean someone miscounted. If you're playing with kids, let them keep score; it's good practice and keeps them engaged.

Tips for Better Scores

Study the hole before putting. Look for slopes, banks, and obstacles. Use gentle, controlled strokes rather than hitting hard. Aim for the center of the hole, not the edges. Speed matters more than line on short putts—get the speed right and the ball will find the hole.